Uncertainty Surrounds Kalisto Pasuwa’s Appointment as Malawi Flames Head Coach

The appointment of Zimbabwean coach Kalisto Pasuwa as head coach of Malawi’s national football team, the Flames, has been cast into doubt following concerns raised by the Malawi National Council of Sports about the transparency of the selection process.

Speaking to the media, Sports Council spokesperson Edgar Ntulumba revealed that the council had requested the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to clarify how Pasuwa’s appointment was decided. Ntulumba emphasized the importance of adhering to government recruitment policies, which require positions to be advertised to allow for a fair and competitive selection process.

Questions Over Selection Transparency

This development follows confirmation by FAM president Fleetwood Haiya that the association’s executive committee had endorsed Pasuwa’s appointment and offered him a contract. However, the lack of a formal recruitment process has raised eyebrows, with critics questioning whether the appointment adhered to established procedures.

The Flames’ coaching position became vacant after the dismissal of Patrick Mabedi last December due to poor performance in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Pasuwa was brought in as an interim coach and quickly made an impact, leading the Flames to a goalless draw against Burundi and a resounding 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso in the AFCON qualifiers. However, despite these results, Malawi finished bottom of their group with only four points.

Pasuwa’s Credentials

Kalisto Pasuwa, who previously coached FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, is one of the most decorated football coaches in southern Africa. He won five consecutive league titles with the Bullets and achieved further success with Dynamos FC in Zimbabwe, winning four consecutive Premier Soccer League titles from 2011 to 2014.

On the international stage, Pasuwa guided Zimbabwe to qualification for the 2017 AFCON, further cementing his reputation as a skilled tactician. His impressive record and recent achievements as interim coach of the Flames made him a strong candidate for the permanent role.

Implications for Malawi’s World Cup Campaign

The timing of the controversy could not be worse for Malawi, as the Flames are set to resume their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign next month. They face a crucial match against Namibia, with their chances of progressing hanging in the balance. The Flames currently sit fourth in Group H, four points behind leaders Tunisia and two points behind second-placed Namibia.

Uncertainty surrounding the team’s head coach could disrupt preparations and impact their performance in the upcoming matches. The Flames need strong leadership to reignite their World Cup hopes, but the delay in formalizing Pasuwa’s appointment adds to the challenges they face.

Next Steps

While Pasuwa’s track record makes him a logical choice for the role, the Sports Council’s demand for transparency highlights the need for FAM to follow due process. If the appointment is confirmed, Pasuwa will bring extensive experience and a winning mentality to the Flames.

However, until the procedural concerns are addressed, the future leadership of the Malawi national team remains uncertain. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Pasuwa can officially take the reins and lead the Flames in their pursuit of World Cup qualification.